Utah Utility Relief Programs: Financial Aid and Energy Security

Utah Utility Relief Programs provide essential support for residents facing high energy costs. These initiatives ensure that families can maintain electricity, water, and gas services during the state's freezing winters and hot summers.

Navigating these programs is a critical step for financial stability. A single application can often unlock multiple layers of assistance, from federal grants to utility-specific discounts.

Key Takeaways

• Primary Hub (HEAT): The HEAT program is your starting point. Approval here often automatically qualifies you for other utility discounts.   
• Winter Protection: State law prevents utility shut-offs between November 15 and March 15 for eligible households who apply for protection.   
• Automatic Stacking: Getting approved for HEAT typically triggers automatic enrollment in the Rocky Mountain Power HELP discount and Enbridge Gas credits.   
• Crisis Funds: Emergency funding is available year-round to prevent disconnection within 48 hours for vulnerable groups.

The HEAT Program: Your First Step

The Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) program is the central pillar of utility aid in Utah. It is a federally funded block grant that helps low-income households pay their heating and cooling bills.

Applying for HEAT is strategic. It acts as a "passport" program; once approved, you gain access to several other benefits without needing to file separate paperwork.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify, your household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). You must also be responsible for paying your home energy costs directly or as a distinct part of your rent.

Monthly Gross Income Limits (150% FPL):

Note: You may deduct medical expenses and child support payments from your gross income to help meet these limits.

How to Apply

Applications typically open on November 1st for the general public. However, households with seniors (60+), individuals with disabilities, or children under six can apply early starting October 1st.

Required Documents:

• Photo ID: For the primary applicant.
• Social Security Cards: For every person living in the home.
• Income Proof: Pay stubs or award letters for the month prior to application.
• Utility Bills: Most recent copies of both your heating and electric bills.

You can apply online through the(https://jobs.utah.gov/housing/scso/seal/heat.html) or by contacting your local Community Action Agency.

Rocky Mountain Power Assistance

Rocky Mountain Power provides electricity to most of Utah. They offer specific programs to lower monthly costs and prevent shut-offs.

Home Electric Lifeline Program (HELP)

This program provides a monthly credit on your electric bill to lower your overhead costs year-round.

• Auto-Enrollment: If you are approved for HEAT, you are usually automatically enrolled in HELP.
• Direct Application: You can also apply directly through agencies like Utah Community Action if you missed the HEAT window but still meet the income requirements.

Lend A Hand

This is a charitable program funded by donations from customers and employees. It is designed as a "fund of last resort" for those who have exhausted other options.

• Administrator: The Salvation Army manages these funds.
• Eligibility: Priority is given to seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
• Process: You generally need a "Notice of Decision" from the HEAT program to prove you have utilized state aid first.   

Medical Certificate Program

Medical Certificate Program

If you rely on electrically powered medical equipment (like oxygen concentrators), you can get protection from disconnection.

• How it Works: Have your doctor complete a Medical Certificate form.
• Benefit: This prevents the utility from shutting off your power for a set period (usually 30 days) during a medical emergency, giving you time to arrange payment. 

Enbridge Gas (Formerly Dominion Energy)

Dominion Energy Utah is now Enbridge Gas. While the name and logo have changed, the assistance programs remain active and vital for natural gas customers.

Energy Assistance Credit (EAC)

This is a one-time annual credit applied to your gas bill.

• Value: Eligible customers receive a lump sum credit (amount varies by year).
• Fee Exemption: Recipients are also exempt from the monthly surcharge that funds this program.
• Access: Like the electric discount, this is typically automated when you qualify for HEAT.

REACH Program

Residential Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) is the gas equivalent of Lend A Hand.

• Funding: Provided by private donations and corporate matching.
• Use Case: It helps pay past-due balances to avoid service termination.
• Contact: This program is administered by The Salvation Army.

ThermWise Rebates

This program helps you reduce your bill by using less energy. It offers cash rebates for:

• Upgrades: Installing high-efficiency furnaces or smart thermostats.
• Weatherization: Adding insulation or replacing old windows.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

While HEAT helps pay bills, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) fixes your home. This program installs long-term upgrades to permanently lower your energy usage.

Key Features:

• Higher Income Limit: Households earning up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level can qualify.
• Free Upgrades: This is not a loan. Improvements are installed at no cost to the homeowner or renter.
• Scope of Work: Includes adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and tuning up furnaces.

Because WAP addresses the root cause of high bills (inefficient housing), there is often a waiting list. It is smart to apply as soon as possible.

Water Bill Assistance

Water assistance in Utah is not as centralized as energy aid. The federal LIHWAP program has largely ended, so support is now local.

Salt Lake City: Project Water ASSIST

• Provider: Salt Lake City Public Utilities and The Salvation Army.
• Requirement: You must usually have a shut-off notice to qualify.
• Benefit: A one-time payment to prevent disconnection.

Other Municipalities

• South Salt Lake: Offers a limited hardship fund for residents facing life-changing events.
• St. George & Provo: Residents should contact local Community Action Agencies, which may use flexible block grant funds to help with water emergencies.

Consumer Rights: The Winter Moratorium

Utah law provides a safety net against freezing. The Winter Moratorium prohibits regulated utilities from shutting off gas or electricity for non-payment during the coldest months.

Critical Details:

• Dates: November 15th through March 15th.
• Not Automatic: You must actively apply for this protection.
• Requirement: You typically must qualify for HEAT and agree to a Deferred Payment Agreement. This means you agree to pay your current usage plus a portion of your debt.

Strategic Tips for Applicants

1. Apply Early: Funding for charitable programs like Lend A Hand is limited. Applying in October or November ensures you are first in line.
2. Document Deductions: If your income is slightly over the limit, gather proof of medical expenses or child support payments. Deducting these can often bring you under the threshold.
3. Check for "Auto-Enrollment": If you get HEAT, check your next utility bills. You should see the HELP credit and Enbridge credits appear automatically. If not, call the utility immediately.
4. Use 2-1-1: If you are unsure where to start, dial 2-1-1 to reach the United Way information line, which can direct you to the nearest intake office.

Frequently Asked Questions